Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si) , Bundang

Located in the Bundang area of Seongnam City in Gyeonggi-do province, the Bundang Olympic Sports Center spans eight floors and includes an indoor ice-skating rink, a food court, various convenience facilities, a multi-purpose indoor gym, health club, aerobics room, Taekwondo ring, a golf course and a swimming pool.The indoor ice skating rink on the first floor basement has state-of-the-art facilities and the highest ice quality, which visitors can enjoy all year round.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si)

The Haengjusanseong Fortress (행주산성, historic site no. 56) atop Deogyangsan Mountain was the site of a major Korean victory against the enemy during the Japanese invasion 400 years ago. Women also participated in the dramatic battle, carrying stones in their aprons (haengju in Korean). The original date and purpose of the fortress’ construction remains a mystery, but it is believed the construction dates back to the ancient Baekje period, as many relics from that era have been excavated by archeological surveys. Inside the fortress is Chungjangsa, a shrine paying tribute to General Gwon Yul who led the victorious effort. Transportation to the fortress has become much more convenient with the opening of the Jayuro road and the completion of the Haengju Bridge, making the fortress a popular destination on holidays.* Haengju Great Victory FestivalReligious ceremonies and many other cultural events are held on March 14 every year in memory of General Gwon who won the battle and saved the nation.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Situated on the southwest corner of Jirisan Mountain, Hwaeomsa Temple is one of the 10 most famous temples in Korea. It was constructed in the fifth year of King Jinheung’s reign (544) during the Silla Era, but was burnt down during Japanese Invasion, Jeongyujaeran in 1592. Including the main building Daeungjeon, the temple was rebuilt during the Joseon Period.The path to the temple lies along the valley named Hwaeomsa Temple Valley. It also takes you to Nogodan Plateau of Jirisan Mountain. With Korean traditional straw-roofed houses and a water mill, you can find a cozy place named Siuidongsan, which means the Hill of Poetry, to take a rest at your right on the way to the temple.Beyond this area is the main gate of Hwaeomsa Temple, Iljumun Gate, and a long stonewall. Entering the main gate, you can find Geumgangmun Gate and the stairs going up to Bojeru. At the top of the stairs, there are the main building Daeungjeon and Gakhwangjeon Pavilion.There are also Seo-ocheung Pagoda (west-five-story pagoda) and Dongocheung Pagoda (east-five-story pagoda) at each side of the front yard. In front of Gakhwangjeon Pavilion is the largest light made of stone in Korea. In addition, there are many national treasures here including the Sasaja Samcheung (3-story) Stone Pagoda, which is situated at the hill called Hyodae. The main building Daeungjeon and Bojeru is magnificent and graceful. Keeping its original beauty, Hwa-eomsa Temple makes beautiful scenery with the nature around it.[National Cultural Heritages]- Stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple- Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Hanging Painting of Hwaeomsa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly)- Five-story Stone Pagoda in the east and west of Hwaeomsa Temple- Daeungjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Lion Pagoda at Wontongjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Avatamsaka Sutra (The Flower Garland Sutra) of Hwaeomsa Temple- Higan Cherry of Hwaeomsa Temple- Bojeru Pavilion of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Lantern at Gucheungam hermitage of Hwaeomsa Temple


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

First established in Ganghwa-eup during the 5th year of King Injong in the Goryeo Dynasty (1127), Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School was moved to Ganghwa-gun and then restored at the foot of Buksan Mountain (formally Songaksan Mountain) in 1624 by Sim Yeol during the 2nd year of King Injo. Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School is regarded as an important cultural and historical site in Ganghwa-eup.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Camellia Hill is a camellia arboretum that was created on a plot of land in Sangchang-ri, Andeok-myeon, Jeju-do that spans 172,000 square meters. The arboretum is home to 6,000 camellia trees of 500 different species including species that are known to produce the world’s largest and earliest blossoms. In addition to camellia trees, the arboretum also boasts palm trees, wildflowers, and other plants as well as a sprawling grass plaza and an ecological pond. Auxiliary facilities include a gallery exhibiting camellia-themed handicrafts and a multipurpose seminar room. Camellia Hill also offers a variety of lodging facilities ranging from thatched cottages and wooden cottages to steel houses and a condominium-type resort.


Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si) , suwon

From Jebudo Island (제부도) you can witness the parting of sea. This seemingly biblical phenomena can be experienced in Hoedong-ri, Gogun-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do; Sado-ri in Hwajeong-myeon, Yeocheon-gun, Jeollanam-do; at Muchangpo Beach in Gwandang-ri, Ungcheon-myeon, Boryeong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do; Hado in Unsan-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do and between Jebudo Island and Songgyo-ri, Seosin-myeon, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi-do.The 2.3-kilometer stretch of water between Jebudo Island and Songgyo-ri, Seosin-myeon, parts twice a day during the low tide, and is where the sea parts most frequently in Korea. The exposed foreshore, which remains accessible for six hours until it is submerged by the tide, appears at a different time each day. Just roughly 20 years ago, the people of Jebudo Island would wade across the route, often getting soaked up to their waist, to reach the mainland. However, after cement pavement was installed in the late 1980’s, the route became quickly and easily accessible by car. Though Jebu Island is small there are some notable sights to see, like the Maebawi (falcon rock) that serves as roost for local falcons, and a 2.5 km beach that is dotted with clamshells.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple, located in Gayasan Mountain, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, is home to Palmandaejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana) designated as a World Cultural Heritage and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea. As the temple is the only place that has Tripitaka Koreana, the temple stay has its unique program where you may actually appreciate the world cultural heritage with your own eyes, experience woodblock printing and Chamseon (Zen meditation), which is a traditional meditation method of Buddhism in Korea. You may also learn the Buddhist teaching by touring the small hermitages and temples around the Gaya Mountain with Haeinsa as its main temple.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Opened in April 2008 in Sangnim-dong, Jeonju-si, Jeonju Film Studio Complex consists of a large indoor studio two-stories high with a basement level, and several ornate outdoor sets over a sprawling 56,900㎡ (186,700 ft). Auxiliary facilities include a set construction room, staff room, dressing room, art/prop room, and lounge. The indoor studio in particular is considered to be the best site to film special effects in Korea for its 17-meter (56 ft) high ceiling and water pressure control facilities, used for making natural rain scenes. The Jeonju Film Studio Complex is the first studio in Korea to be established by local government, and is equipped with adjustable outdoor sets. Many popular Korean films have been recorded here, including Ssanghwajeom (2008), Private Eye (2009), Jeonuchi (2009), The Unjust (2010), Battlefield Heroes (2010), and My Way (2011).


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Located on the southern part of Jirisan Mountain, Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple are among the most popular temples in the Jirisan area. Constructed by Sambeob who was a disciple of Euisang in the 23rd year of King Seongdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, it was called Okcheonsa Temple at first. Then, the Buddhist Monk, Jingam changed its name to Ssanggyesa Temple after having seeded around the temple with tea from China. The temple was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion, Imjinwaeran (1592-1598) and later rebuilt.The best time to visit this area is spring, as the 6km path from Hwagye market place to Ssanggyesa Temple is filled with blooming 600-year-old cherry blossom trees. With the myth that lovers who walk together along the cherry blossom tree path, it is also called Hollaegil (wedding path). A 40-50 minute walk along the tree-lined path leads to Ssanggyesa Temple.Across the bridge in front of the ticket office, there are two rocks engraved with the words “ssanggye” and “seokmun” each. It is said that the eminent scholar Choi Chiwon of the Silla Era had engraved the words with a cane. In the middle of the temple, one of the foremost Korean epigraphs “Jingamseonsa-daegongtabbi” is situated in front of the main building Daeunggeun. This was also written by Choi Chiwon. To the east you can find the Ssanggyesa Ma-aebul, a unique image of Buddha engraved in a hollowed out section of rock.In addition, Palyeongru is the cradle of Korean style Beompae (Buddhist music), which was initiated by the Priest Jimgam (774-850) who studied the Buddhist music in China. As Jingam composed the piece Eosan (fish mountain) by watching the fish of Seomjingang River with Paleumryul (eight tones and rhythms), this place is named Palyeongru.During the third year of King Heugdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, Kim Daeryeom visited China and brought seeds for tea trees. By royal order, he planted the seeds around Ssanggyesa Temple and this area became the first place to cultivate tea.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain (금강산) and Hallasan Mountain (한라산), Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla. On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam Province; Gurye in Jeonnam Province; and Namwon in Jeonbuk Province. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원) and 52 times that of all of Yeouido (여의도).The Hadong (하동) part of Jirisan National Park is full of great tourist attractions such as Ssanggyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, Bulil Falls, Hwagye Valley, Cheonghak-dong Village and Doinchon Town.